Who Went from a 335 to a 135 (or 3 to 1)?

NFexec · 03-23-2009, 09:23 PM

Other than physical size difference, please describe your observations on the difference in handling, acceleration, braking, sounds, feel, and otherwise what differences are there and which do you prefer and why? - I'm particularly interested in the convertibles, but the coupe comparison is fine.

Thanks.

Doug

1013mm · 03-23-2009, 09:34 PM

I went from a 325i to a 135i and since the 325 didnt have turbos, I was surprised. Handling is around the same stock the turns are still very fun. acceleration is of course very different, the 1 and the 3 being RWD are slow to pick up but once it gets rolling its fast the 135 is faster though. braking is less harsh on the 135 I guess its not as abrupt. Sound, not really sure what you are referring to but in regards of the engine bay and exhuast.. the 135 is much more aggressive sounding overall, not just at start up. Feel wise I prefer the 135 since I like small cars and everything is perfectly compacted in the 135i, one thing i hate about both cars is the window buttons is too far back on the 1 and too far front on the 3. Sorry if you cant really read this bunch.... hope it helps if you can read it though..

NFexec · 03-23-2009, 10:03 PM

Thanks jzhang - When I say sound, I'm referring pretty much to what you responded to. The engine & exhaust sound, as well as the overall ride noise level.

The larger turbo-charged output motor definitely has more kick and incredibly smooth and quick acceleration - but that's true for the 328 vs 335 too of course.

Anyone else?

Doug

radiantm3 · 03-23-2009, 10:09 PM

I have a 335i sedan and bought a 135i for myself (wife now drives the 335i). The 1 is a lot more fun to drive, but I have to say the 3 feels much more stable, especially at higher speeds. I'm guessing it's the wider wheelbase and extra weight. If I had to start over and the car was just for myself, I would buy the 1 again. The 3 coupe is a beautiful car (IMO), but I really prefer the smaller size of the 1. The exhaust note and sound from the turbos is much more prominent on the 1 as well. It just feels and sounds much more sporty. And you have to love the looks of the calipers.

I would, however, take an M3 coupe over all.

I'm just not ready to make that kind of commitment yet. Maybe in 5 years.

busyguy8 · 03-23-2009, 10:27 PM

I had an 08 e92 335 and it was a beautiful car. I now have an 09 135, and it is definitely more fun to drive. It's a bit more tossable, and feels a bit peppier at lower speeds, but I agree the 335 felt a hair more stable at higher speeds.

I wish I would've bought the 135 to begin with, it's just so much fun to drive.

-bg8

Midgad · 03-23-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFexec

Other than physical size difference, please describe your observations on the difference in handling, acceleration, braking, sounds, feel, and otherwise what differences are there and which do you prefer and why? - I'm particularly interested in the convertibles, but the coupe comparison is fine.

Thanks.

Doug

Hey, also own a 325xi.
The 3 handles awesome with the awd, especially cornering, also obviously great in snow.
The 3 is a bit more refined and more of a family ride than the 1.
Pick up on the 3 is good, at least I thought it was good till I got my 128.
1 is soooo much more fun to drive. More of a sports car feel than the 3.
Brakes on both are similar.
The 3 however is the perfect car. Feel so close to the road.
The 3 is now my wifes ride, she has been driving it for a year. She now has driven the 1 a bunch and likes it better.
We are considering selling the 3. I would give her the 128 vert, then we do ED with 135 coupe for me

.
Just wish they made a 128/35 xi!

BForbes · 03-23-2009, 10:41 PM

You guys switch cars so often, its great. I hear the 2010 Z4 has the most aggressive sounding version of the N54 yet. I guess we'll be the judge of that.

ponchamni · 03-23-2009, 10:44 PM

I went from a '08 335i sedan to a 09 135i convertible last month. On the whole I like the 135i convertible:

* It feels faster in that go-kart kinda way. Acceleration is just as intoxicating as the 335 and more. Fair warning, however, if you have the auto you have to really work the transmission to get the right launch feel. "S" mode is an absolute necessity to really punish the pavement.
* Exhaust sound is as good as the 335i ... get nice doses of this with the top down! Gives off a deep burble at idle. Under load you'll quickly recognize that sweet noise from 335i

. Even revving it sounds cool too!
* The rear seats of the Convertible are somewhat narrower than the coupe to account for all the top mechanicals but it is livable for two smaller sized people (read: kids).
* Folding the top is pretty quick.
* Trunk space is usable... obviously smaller than the 335 but with the top up you can push the gate for the top out of the way and take advantage of the entire trunk area.
* Handling is very good but because i didn't get the ZSP on the 135 I can't really make a useful comparison. I do think that with ZSP this car will be an awesome handler. I will say,however, that compared with all the BMWs I've driven (all of which had ZSP) the non-zsp wheels seem to make the ride some what quieter, and less jarring on the back.
* Brakes are comparable to the 335i. Don't notice any better or worse performance either way. I DO like the painted calipers with the BMW lettering ... just a nice touch.

Things I specifically don't care for:
* Smaller gas tank 14.1 gallon vs. 16.7 gallon- you really notice those missing two-ish gallons. I usually fill the car right when the light comes on and it takes about 12 gallons to fill it. Even nursing it I'm only getting between 21 and 22 mpg with a mixed driving loop and only achieve a real range of 240-260 versus averaging 300 - 340 on the 335i per tank @ ~24 mpg. Perhaps this will change as the car breaks in further?
* The instrument cluster is not as nice. Don't have the little indicator to show your cruise speed set. You can only see it initially in the center like on the E90 and after that only when you a make a change ... LAME-O. Also can't show range and mileage at the same time.
* I think i perfer the split tail pipe setup of the 335 but this is not a deal breaker.
* Some cheap hard plastics on the interior ... not cool for a car that stickers for nearly 50k.
* Wind noise ... top up ... but this is to be expected to some degree from a vert.
* IPOD Connection ... what can I say here ... spring for the navi ... works much better than without. I miss this with my 335 sorely. The radio interface just blows.

I'll probably have this car until about may or june and then get into a 135i coupe to try it on for size.

uofmtiger · 03-23-2009, 10:47 PM

I have had two 3 series cars (both sedans). I was going to get a 335 coupe or convertible this time around because I am tall and the bar between the front and back door always got in the way when I wanted to get in and out of the car. I went by the dealership and the 328 vert was priced near 55,000 with every add on you can imagine. The 335i was even more.

I thought about getting a coupe, but then I saw a 135i vert on the lot and drove it. Too me it felt like it had more spunk, even if the raw numbers are similar. The vert was priced at less than the coupe, so it really became about whether I wanted a vert or not and whether I wanted something new (coming out of two 3 series). I went with the 135i vert and I am a very happy owner. Well, with the exception of the broken third brake light I just noticed. Seems to be a flaw in the design.

Anyway, my boss has a 3 series vert and it is a very nice car. It feels heavier because of the hard top, but it is also much quieter at speeds over 80. It also has more room for passengers. Personally, I only haul schnauzers in the backseat and I can handle a little bit of extra interior noise for the trade off of a usable trunk when the top is down.

I wrote up a review on my webpage if you want to read it.

HeyMoe53 · 03-23-2009, 10:56 PM

Yes, it is interesting to see how quickly some people change cars. For me, car buying is a decision I know I need to live with for four years.

I can't add to the comparison, but since I have owned everything from a Scirocco to a GTI, the size of the 1 is appealing to me.

1013mm · 03-23-2009, 10:58 PM

gas is better on the 3.

BForbes · 03-23-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzhang

gas is better on the 3.

You really think so? Maybe you're more inclined to open up the one more.

1013mm · 03-23-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BForbes

You really think so? Maybe you're more inclined to open up the one more.

Really I am because it's turboed and it's sportier.

MOCKBA · 03-23-2009, 11:27 PM

Handles more precisely, accelerates faster, brakes more confident. I was really disappointed with 335. Perhaps majority will disagree, but I like interior of 1 much more, it looks more luxury for me, better organized and easier to operate. I like also swirling navigation screen, which I can hide. Unfortunately it is stationed in 09 model. I wouldn’t buy another 3ser, but 1.

MOCKBA · 03-23-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

Yes, it is interesting to see how quickly some people change cars. For me, car buying is a decision I know I need to live with for four years.

I can't add to the comparison, but since I have owned everything from a Scirocco to a GTI, the size of the 1 is appealing to me.

Lease for 20 months, do not buy.

1013mm · 03-23-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Handles more precisely, accelerates faster, brakes more confident. I was really disappointed with 335. Perhaps majority will disagree, but I like interior of 1 much more, it looks more luxury for me, better organized and easier to operate. I like also swirling navigation screen, which I can hide. Unfortunately it is stationed in 09 model. I wouldn’t buy another 3ser, but 1.

I agree on the interior. I guess the 1 interior looks better because everything more compacted together and this togetherness gives the effect that the interior looks more sophisticated.

The 3 interior is way too spaced out which makes it look plain.

Monaco35Dream · 03-23-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midgad

Just wish they made a 128/35 xi!

Ugh I wish. I would be ALL over that...

Year's_End · 03-24-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Lease for 20 months, do not buy.

Why?

tbird · 03-24-2009, 07:03 AM

I had the E90 325xi and I switched to the 135cic and have never looked back. While the 3 is nice looking, it kinda feels bland now, since it is the "bread and butter" BMW out there. Everyone and his brother has a stripped 100%-leased 328 on the street. I have even been told that there are a lot of "immature juveniles" on the E90 post in here, and that people come over to the 1Addicts Forum because we have better information. Very few 1's out there still, and I like it that way. We 1Addicts are the smarter crowd.

As for others, my brother has the 335i, my mother has a 525i, my mother's SO has the new M3, and then my wife has the "BMW-guts" better known as a Mini.

I love the Mini, hands down. It has its niche and it rules its niche, awesome car. The 525i is a "mafia-car" in that you could fit 5 bodies in the trunk, it is massive and drives that way. If you are getting ready to retire, its the perfect car for you. My brother's 335i is nice, it has its perks, but I am faster and I handle FAR better than he does. PLUS, his back seat is only 2 inches bigger, and he has a smaller trunk than I do when the top is dropped, so his is just bigger and heavier. M3, that's a whole different world, I would love the "Technology Package" in the 1, but oh well.

My .02

NFexec · 03-24-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzhang

Really I am because it's turboed and it's sportier.

Uh... are you comparing gas mileage on the 328 to the 135? The 335i is turbo'd too, you know. Are you saying the 335i gets better gas mileage than the 135i? And are you also saying you probably flog the 135 more than the 335?

I be

Doug

1013mm · 03-24-2009, 10:01 PM

i was comparing it to my 325.

jose100fires · 03-25-2009, 11:51 PM

I loved my E90 330 - just loved it. I still miss it. Black on black, tint, sport, and it was just cool. I loved the low down look, larger, and meaner stance of it. I tracked it many, many times and I would be just a tick, and I mean just a little bitty tick, slower than e46 m3s around the track. That car was the bomb - and it is the orange compared to the apple that is the 135.

They are just completely different cars and really, really hard to compare except if you recognize the differences. The 135 is small, stupid quick, reactionary, impulsive, and scrappy - My 330 was larger, solid, predictable, and fast.

This really is a grass is greener statement - I would love to have both cars. The 330 for going out on the town dressed up, valet park at the best restaurant, cruising on a summer night, or long road trips. I would want my 135 for the track, quick jaunts to the store that become epic, rides up in the west hills, or trolling for Mustang GTs on hot summer nights.

So, I have the 135 now.... I miss my 330.

03-23-2009, 09:23 PM	#1
NFexec Private First Class 14 Rep 131 Posts Drives: '11 E91; '12 Z4 35i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Beachwood, OH iTrader: (0)	Who Went from a 335 to a 135 (or 3 to 1)? Other than physical size difference, please describe your observations on the difference in handling, acceleration, braking, sounds, feel, and otherwise what differences are there and which do you prefer and why? - I'm particularly interested in the convertibles, but the coupe comparison is fine. Thanks. Doug
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03-23-2009, 09:34 PM	#2
1013mm aka 1013MM 1253 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	I went from a 325i to a 135i and since the 325 didnt have turbos, I was surprised. Handling is around the same stock the turns are still very fun. acceleration is of course very different, the 1 and the 3 being RWD are slow to pick up but once it gets rolling its fast the 135 is faster though. braking is less harsh on the 135 I guess its not as abrupt. Sound, not really sure what you are referring to but in regards of the engine bay and exhuast.. the 135 is much more aggressive sounding overall, not just at start up. Feel wise I prefer the 135 since I like small cars and everything is perfectly compacted in the 135i, one thing i hate about both cars is the window buttons is too far back on the 1 and too far front on the 3. Sorry if you cant really read this bunch.... hope it helps if you can read it though.. __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
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03-23-2009, 10:03 PM	#3
NFexec Private First Class 14 Rep 131 Posts Drives: '11 E91; '12 Z4 35i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Beachwood, OH iTrader: (0)	Thanks jzhang - When I say sound, I'm referring pretty much to what you responded to. The engine & exhaust sound, as well as the overall ride noise level. The larger turbo-charged output motor definitely has more kick and incredibly smooth and quick acceleration - but that's true for the 328 vs 335 too of course. Anyone else? Doug
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03-23-2009, 10:09 PM	#4
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	I have a 335i sedan and bought a 135i for myself (wife now drives the 335i). The 1 is a lot more fun to drive, but I have to say the 3 feels much more stable, especially at higher speeds. I'm guessing it's the wider wheelbase and extra weight. If I had to start over and the car was just for myself, I would buy the 1 again. The 3 coupe is a beautiful car (IMO), but I really prefer the smaller size of the 1. The exhaust note and sound from the turbos is much more prominent on the 1 as well. It just feels and sounds much more sporty. And you have to love the looks of the calipers. I would, however, take an M3 coupe over all. I'm just not ready to make that kind of commitment yet. Maybe in 5 years. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
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03-23-2009, 10:27 PM	#5
busyguy8 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 280 Posts Drives: '11 Black Saphire/Black 135 6M Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (3)	I had an 08 e92 335 and it was a beautiful car. I now have an 09 135, and it is definitely more fun to drive. It's a bit more tossable, and feels a bit peppier at lower speeds, but I agree the 335 felt a hair more stable at higher speeds. I wish I would've bought the 135 to begin with, it's just so much fun to drive. -bg8
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03-23-2009, 10:41 PM	#7
BForbes Moderator 559 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	You guys switch cars so often, its great. I hear the 2010 Z4 has the most aggressive sounding version of the N54 yet. I guess we'll be the judge of that. __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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03-23-2009, 10:44 PM	#8
ponchamni New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: '10 135i / '10 328i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Spartanburg, SC iTrader: (0)	I went from a '08 335i sedan to a 09 135i convertible last month. On the whole I like the 135i convertible: * It feels faster in that go-kart kinda way. Acceleration is just as intoxicating as the 335 and more. Fair warning, however, if you have the auto you have to really work the transmission to get the right launch feel. "S" mode is an absolute necessity to really punish the pavement. * Exhaust sound is as good as the 335i ... get nice doses of this with the top down! Gives off a deep burble at idle. Under load you'll quickly recognize that sweet noise from 335i . Even revving it sounds cool too! * The rear seats of the Convertible are somewhat narrower than the coupe to account for all the top mechanicals but it is livable for two smaller sized people (read: kids). * Folding the top is pretty quick. * Trunk space is usable... obviously smaller than the 335 but with the top up you can push the gate for the top out of the way and take advantage of the entire trunk area. * Handling is very good but because i didn't get the ZSP on the 135 I can't really make a useful comparison. I do think that with ZSP this car will be an awesome handler. I will say,however, that compared with all the BMWs I've driven (all of which had ZSP) the non-zsp wheels seem to make the ride some what quieter, and less jarring on the back. * Brakes are comparable to the 335i. Don't notice any better or worse performance either way. I DO like the painted calipers with the BMW lettering ... just a nice touch. Things I specifically don't care for: * Smaller gas tank 14.1 gallon vs. 16.7 gallon- you really notice those missing two-ish gallons. I usually fill the car right when the light comes on and it takes about 12 gallons to fill it. Even nursing it I'm only getting between 21 and 22 mpg with a mixed driving loop and only achieve a real range of 240-260 versus averaging 300 - 340 on the 335i per tank @ ~24 mpg. Perhaps this will change as the car breaks in further? * The instrument cluster is not as nice. Don't have the little indicator to show your cruise speed set. You can only see it initially in the center like on the E90 and after that only when you a make a change ... LAME-O. Also can't show range and mileage at the same time. * I think i perfer the split tail pipe setup of the 335 but this is not a deal breaker. * Some cheap hard plastics on the interior ... not cool for a car that stickers for nearly 50k. * Wind noise ... top up ... but this is to be expected to some degree from a vert. * IPOD Connection ... what can I say here ... spring for the navi ... works much better than without. I miss this with my 335 sorely. The radio interface just blows. I'll probably have this car until about may or june and then get into a 135i coupe to try it on for size.
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03-23-2009, 10:47 PM	#9
uofmtiger Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 241 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2008 iTrader: (0)	I have had two 3 series cars (both sedans). I was going to get a 335 coupe or convertible this time around because I am tall and the bar between the front and back door always got in the way when I wanted to get in and out of the car. I went by the dealership and the 328 vert was priced near 55,000 with every add on you can imagine. The 335i was even more. I thought about getting a coupe, but then I saw a 135i vert on the lot and drove it. Too me it felt like it had more spunk, even if the raw numbers are similar. The vert was priced at less than the coupe, so it really became about whether I wanted a vert or not and whether I wanted something new (coming out of two 3 series). I went with the 135i vert and I am a very happy owner. Well, with the exception of the broken third brake light I just noticed. Seems to be a flaw in the design. Anyway, my boss has a 3 series vert and it is a very nice car. It feels heavier because of the hard top, but it is also much quieter at speeds over 80. It also has more room for passengers. Personally, I only haul schnauzers in the backseat and I can handle a little bit of extra interior noise for the trade off of a usable trunk when the top is down. I wrote up a review on my webpage if you want to read it.
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03-23-2009, 10:56 PM	#10
HeyMoe53 Captain 64 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '17 M240 AW/Coral MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0)	Yes, it is interesting to see how quickly some people change cars. For me, car buying is a decision I know I need to live with for four years. I can't add to the comparison, but since I have owned everything from a Scirocco to a GTI, the size of the 1 is appealing to me.
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03-23-2009, 10:58 PM	#11
1013mm aka 1013MM 1253 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	gas is better on the 3. __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
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03-23-2009, 11:27 PM	#14
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	Handles more precisely, accelerates faster, brakes more confident. I was really disappointed with 335. Perhaps majority will disagree, but I like interior of 1 much more, it looks more luxury for me, better organized and easier to operate. I like also swirling navigation screen, which I can hide. Unfortunately it is stationed in 09 model. I wouldn’t buy another 3ser, but 1. __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
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03-24-2009, 07:03 AM	#19
tbird Captain 31 Rep 683 Posts Drives: "Bianca" 135cic AW/TC Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FLL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135cic [0.00]	I had the E90 325xi and I switched to the 135cic and have never looked back. While the 3 is nice looking, it kinda feels bland now, since it is the "bread and butter" BMW out there. Everyone and his brother has a stripped 100%-leased 328 on the street. I have even been told that there are a lot of "immature juveniles" on the E90 post in here, and that people come over to the 1Addicts Forum because we have better information. Very few 1's out there still, and I like it that way. We 1Addicts are the smarter crowd. As for others, my brother has the 335i, my mother has a 525i, my mother's SO has the new M3, and then my wife has the "BMW-guts" better known as a Mini. I love the Mini, hands down. It has its niche and it rules its niche, awesome car. The 525i is a "mafia-car" in that you could fit 5 bodies in the trunk, it is massive and drives that way. If you are getting ready to retire, its the perfect car for you. My brother's 335i is nice, it has its perks, but I am faster and I handle FAR better than he does. PLUS, his back seat is only 2 inches bigger, and he has a smaller trunk than I do when the top is dropped, so his is just bigger and heavier. M3, that's a whole different world, I would love the "Technology Package" in the 1, but oh well. My .02 __________________ 2008 135cic, Alpine White/Terracotta Leather/BlackTop, Premium Package (Bluetooth, folding mirrors, etc), Sport Package with M Wheel, Navigation, Logic7 with HD and IPod and Sirius, Steptronic, M Aerodynamic Kit 2001 Focus ZX3, modified for fun commuting Previous 2006 325xi 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 1984 Audi 4000S Quattro modified 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1969 Camaro modified 1993 Ford Explorer (basic hauling) 1984+1988 Ford Broncos 1993 Honda Civic (Commuter, junk) 2008 Mini (wife's car, AWESOME) A few more
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03-24-2009, 10:01 PM	#21
1013mm aka 1013MM 1253 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	i was comparing it to my 325. __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
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03-25-2009, 11:51 PM	#22
jose100fires Private 10 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 135i/ Montego Blau Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	06 330i to 135 I loved my E90 330 - just loved it. I still miss it. Black on black, tint, sport, and it was just cool. I loved the low down look, larger, and meaner stance of it. I tracked it many, many times and I would be just a tick, and I mean just a little bitty tick, slower than e46 m3s around the track. That car was the bomb - and it is the orange compared to the apple that is the 135. They are just completely different cars and really, really hard to compare except if you recognize the differences. The 135 is small, stupid quick, reactionary, impulsive, and scrappy - My 330 was larger, solid, predictable, and fast. This really is a grass is greener statement - I would love to have both cars. The 330 for going out on the town dressed up, valet park at the best restaurant, cruising on a summer night, or long road trips. I would want my 135 for the track, quick jaunts to the store that become epic, rides up in the west hills, or trolling for Mustang GTs on hot summer nights. So, I have the 135 now.... I miss my 330.
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